Saturday, December 25, 2010

Initial 2010 Census results are now available. The Census Bureau has recently released the resident population for the nation and states, as well as congressional apportionment totals for each state. For Washington state, the population increased 14.1% during 2000-2010.

Click on the following image to display an interactive map that provides details on each state’s population change, population density, and apportionment.

Beginning in February and wrapping up by March 31, 2011, the Census Bureau will release demographic data to the states on a rolling basis so state governments can start the redistricting process.

Other key Census Bureau references include:

Interactive Timeline Lists census planning efforts, major milestones, and census data announcements over the next several years.

Multimedia Center Features video, photo, and audio showcasing the importance of the 2010 Census.

Census in Schools Features classroom activities and teaching materials to help teachers and students learn about the importance of the Census.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Redmond added its first rotary (or more accurately, roundabout) as part of the completion of the NE 36th Street Bridge in the Overlake section of Redmond. The bridge, which spans State Route 520, opened on Dec 15th after 18 months of construction.

The bridge crosses SR520 diagonally. In the photo below (taken from Microsoft building 43), you can see the bridge’s “wings” — landscaped extensions that provide broad pedestrian walkways.

Leading to the NE 36th Street Bridge from the east side is Redmond’s first roundabout. In general, a roundabout is designed for lower speed traffic, unlike a rotary, which is a larger circle and handles higher speed traffic. Roundabouts are increasingly being used in the United States.

The NE 36th Street Bridge features a park-like design with dozens of trees and shrubs on small rolling hills. Several benches line the pathways.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

This jaunt was definitely in the Northwest weather that we’ve all come to know and “love”! Rainy, kind of dark, and just generally yucky. But you know what are always warm and welcoming places? KCLS Libraries!

As my travels begin to arrive at their close, I find myself fairly close to home. But sadly, still in communities I don’t think I’ve ever been in – like Duvall! But before Duvall, we took the scenic route, through agricultural lands in valleys and river floodplains, out to Carnation. Carnation’s reputation preceded it as I had already heard from another library about the integration of pieces of the old library into the new branch that opened in January 2009. They were raving about how wonderful it looked and they were right! Native American designs from inside and outside the old cedar structure were turned into artwork for the interior and exterior of the new library. Antique woven baskets from the previous library were also restored and returned to the new library for display. We were also fortunate to be able to chat with Lael from KCLS about all of what makes Carnation unique. She was very helpful in explaining to us the old and new libraries.

Shortly after, we were off to re-fuel in Duvall before visiting their library. Although we were originally headed for the Duvall Grill and Taproom, we were sidetracked by the interesting exterior at The Grange Café, where we ultimately settled in for brunch. Oh, so, delicious. Thick-sliced bread and preserves on the table will win with me anytime! I’ll see you next time Duvall Grill and Taproom.

Both restaurants were only steps away from the Duvall library in the historic downtown area. A former residence, the library has a fantastic view from the rear windows and the coolest “back room” I’ve seen – through a library shelf! At the desk, John from KCLS, was nice enough to spend time with us and answer our questions. Planning for a new library is underway, so I’m glad that I was able to see the existing library before they relocate. Although the community has now outgrown the space, it has a great look and feel that makes one feel right at home.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Twenty thousand avid readers across Ireland and the U.K. will give out a million books on the evening of Saturday, March 5th, in what is being billed by organizers as “the largest book give-away ever attempted.” World Book Night, as the event has been called, will come two days after World Book Day, a UNESCO-backed international celebration of books that takes place each year in more than a hundred countries.

Chosen by an independent editorial committee, the 25 titles have been picked from a poll of favorite books from across the book industry. The final selection offers a wide array of outstanding books encompassing all types of fiction: historical, literary, young adult, crime, as well as poetry, history and memoir.

Book-Givers An army of 20,000 volunteers will give away most of the one million books on World Book Night. The book-giver application asks three main questions: